Paint damage as a result of a car crash     usually prompts the question, does insurance cover the repair cost? The answer is dependent on the type of insurance of a policy holder, which is discussed in the first part of this two-part series.

But, while insurance may cover paintwork, making an insurance claim is not always a good decision. An article on Finder.com explains why.

Insurance Exclusions

While car insurance pays for a paintwork job at a (paint and body work) repair shop as a result of a car crash, it usually does not include coverage for paintwork because of weathering, wear and tear and deterioration.

Paint damage because of a car being constantly exposed to rain, sun, sand, salt or water. However, a policy holder whose  insurance policy has comprehensive coverage can make a claim for paint damage brought about by a single event or a weather-related incident.

Paint Wear and Tear Coverage

There is no car insurance coverage for paintwork at a (collision repair) shop because of damage from deterioration or wear and tear. However, older cars are likely to have some paint deterioration. There are cases that insurance  covers a portion of the cost of a new paint  Otherwise, a policy holder needs to pay for the paint job as an out-of-pocket expense.

Making a Claim for Paint Damage

Before making a claim, a policy holder needs to take into consideration the amount needed to pay for the repair and the deductible, which is the out-of-pocket expense.

A policy holder who is able to pay for repairs without making a claim will probably save more money in the long run. The same rule applies to situations where the cost is lower than the deductible.

Out-of-Pocket Expense Associated With Paintwork

The cost of a car paint job depends on factors like the quality of the job, add-ons like protective coatings, the type of paint and the type of car.

Another consideration is the type of paint job needed for a car. A paint job on a car can be a do-it-yourself (DIY) project. Also, a car can be taken to a car (collision repair) shop for a basic touchup or a full paint job.